Determine the Oil Change Frequency for Your Car
The Real Costs of Skipping Oil Changes (And How to Avoid Them)
Letting your vehicle go too long between oil changes can have harsh consequences for your engine. It may seem like a basic maintenance task that can be pushed out further, but actually, regular oil changes are vital to extending the life of your car. Sticking to an oil change frequency schedule will help keep your vehicle on the road and out of the repair shop. Tire Source Neighborhood Car Care is your local oil change expert.
Effects of Missing Oil Changes
If you neglect to change your vehicle’s oil, you are putting your engine at risk. When oil gets dirty, it starts to break down and form into a thick sludge. This viscous oil can lead to a host of issues that cost time and money to resolve.
Engine Contamination
Once old oil has turned to sludge, it can clog engine passages. When oil flow is restricted, the oil cannot do its job properly lubricating the engine components. This is a gradual process and you may not notice any signs until there is damage.
Increased Engine Friction
When oil is fresh and clean, it lubricates moving parts of the engine so they glide as intended during operation. Old, dirty oil loses is lubricating abilities, which causes the metal engine parts harshly grind against the others. This increased friction can accelerate wear on components.
Heightened Risk of Overheating
In addition to lubricating the engine, oil also plays a role in cooling it down. Oil that has turned to sludge cannot effectively absorb heat. When the engine overheats, the resulting high temperatures can melt or warp engine parts.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency
Engines that run on thick, old oil need to work harder since the oil is not the consistency it should be for optimal operation. Think of it in terms of a person walking up a steep incline made of thick mud. As the engine pushes through, it uses more fuel, which decreases fuel efficiency and reduces the engine’s power.
Engine Failure
If a vehicle’s oil change has been neglected for too long, it can lead to engine failure. Intense heat that is not adequately cooled combined with excessive friction can cause the engine to seize up. When the point of failure is reached, a full engine replacement is a necessary, and costly, service.
Prevent Engine Issues with Regular Oil Changes
The effects on your engine from dirty oil are alarming, but the good news is that regular oil changes can help prevent these issues. Not sure about the oil change frequency for your vehicle? A good rule of thumb is to schedule an oil change for every five months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. An easy way to remember is to make a calendar reminder on your phone to alert you when it has been five months since your last oil change. If you drive frequently, make a note to check the mileage on a certain date to ensure you do not go over the 5,000 mile marker. With a little prior planning, you can make time for preventative maintenance and sidestep expensive issues.
Schedule Your Next Oil Change
Stay ahead of costly repairs—schedule your next oil change now. Tire Source Neighborhood Car Care has several Northeast Ohio locations to make oil changes convenient for you.